Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: The Resurrection of the Dead (continued))

Beloved, in continuance of our theme from the “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series, entitled “The Resurrection of the Dead,” let me say this to you – while many may accept some other doctrine, the Word teaches no other doctrine on resurrection than simply raising dead people by the power of God! The belief that God had the power to raise the dead was one of the “anchors of the soul” mentioned by Paul in the Book of Hebrews. It was the anchor “of the soul” for men who served God in other ages, and I believe that if it is taught from the Word of God today, we will stand even as tall as they stood – having faith in the power of the Word.

Precious Ones, there were some in Paul’s day that erred from the truth as they do today. Some in the apostle’s time were “saying that the resurrection is past already” (II Timothy 2:18). These people tried to “overthrow the faith of some” by getting rid of those who taught or believed in the resurrection of the saints. However, in the very next verse, Paul said that the doctrine of resurrection is the “foundation” of our Christian faith. As Paul elegantly explained, “…the foundation of God standeth sure” (II Timothy 2:19). This means that if we want to stand on a sure foundational truth, we must believe that God has the ability to raise dead things to life! It was a departure from the truth to teach that the resurrection was past, and I say that this doctrine is as destructive to the faith as any other false doctrine of this day.

Chosen Ones, those who believe and teach that God has “already” manifested His resurrection, and that no one else will experience “resurrection,” fall into the category described in the Book of II Timothy. These people “(have) a form of godliness, but (deny) the power thereof” (II Timothy 3:5). The power of godliness is to resurrect life out of death. This means that when you become acquainted with the power of God, you discover that health can be resurrected out of sickness; salvation can be resurrected out of sin; wealth can be resurrected out of poverty; and pleasure can be resurrected out of pain. Thus, you will know that life can be resurrected out of death!!! Why? Because Jesus, being raised from the dead, made all of this possible. As the songwriter said, “Now life is worth the living just because He lives.”

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then,

I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy